Easy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini

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I love creating dishes that balance flavor, texture, and simplicity—and these Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini hit every note perfectly. I made this on a weeknight when I was craving something rich but not too heavy, savory with a little bite. The golden-seared chicken is tender and juicy, the sauce is creamy but bright from the sun-dried tomatoes and Cajun seasoning, and the broccolini is blistered just enough to add charred contrast. It looks gourmet but comes together surprisingly fast.

What I enjoy most about this recipe is how easily it fits into any meal plan. It’s low-carb, packed with protein, and doesn’t require a ton of clean-up—my kind of cooking. I serve it when I want to impress guests or just elevate a regular dinner. The richness of the Alfredo, the tang from the tomatoes, and the garlic-parmesan crust on the chicken? That combo is always a winner.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The bold garlic-parmesan crust on the chicken balances beautifully with the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this meal works for both busy weeknights and special dinners.
• Healthy but Indulgent: Packed with protein and veggies, but still feels comforting and satisfying.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The kind of dish that makes everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen.
• Flexible Pairings: Goes great with rice, pasta, or just on its own for a lighter option.

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What Cut of Chicken Should I Use for Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites?

I always go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins for this dish. They cook quickly, are easy to cut into bite-sized pieces, and take on the garlic-Parmesan crust like a dream. Chicken thighs are also an option if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful bite—they’re slightly fattier and stay tender even if slightly overcooked.

No matter what cut you choose, make sure it’s evenly sized for even cooking. You want that perfect golden sear on all sides, and consistency is key for that quick sauté.

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Options for Substitutions

If you want to make some swaps, this recipe is surprisingly flexible without sacrificing flavor:

• Dairy-Free? Use a plant-based cream (like coconut cream or cashew cream) and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• No Cajun Seasoning? Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne for a DIY Cajun blend.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you don’t have them on hand, roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes can still bring a sweet-tangy contrast.
• Broccolini: Swap it for broccoli, asparagus, or even green beans—just blister or roast them to keep that smoky edge.
• Chicken Alternative: This sauce works beautifully with shrimp or tofu too, if you’re leaning into pescatarian or vegetarian meals.

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Ingredients for This Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe

Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins
The star of the show—lean, protein-rich, and quick-cooking. Cut into bite-sized pieces for fast searing and maximum flavor coverage.

Fresh Garlic
Crucial for that deep, savory aroma that defines garlic-Parmesan anything. I recommend finely minced or grated for even distribution.

Grated Parmesan Cheese
Adds umami, saltiness, and that irresistible crispy crust when seared on the chicken.

Heavy Cream
Forms the rich, velvety base of the Alfredo sauce. You could use half-and-half for a lighter touch, but I love the full-bodied flavor of cream here.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes (in oil)
They add tangy sweetness and a chewy texture that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Use the oil they’re packed in to boost flavor.

Cajun Seasoning
Brings a smoky, spicy edge that livens up the Alfredo sauce—it’s the twist that makes this dish memorable.

Broccolini
Leaner and more tender than standard broccoli, it chars beautifully and brings a needed green bite to the plate.

Olive Oil
For sautéing the chicken and broccolini. Adds depth and helps everything crisp up just right.

Salt & Black Pepper
To season everything at each step—layering your flavors makes a difference.

Chopped Parsley (optional but recommended)
A final sprinkle of freshness and color that brightens the plate before serving.

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Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Slice your chicken breasts or tenderloins into even, bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels—this helps them sear properly. Season with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and a generous coating of grated Parmesan cheese.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add a bit more oil from the sun-dried tomato jar (for bonus flavor), then stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Cajun seasoning. Let them sizzle for 30 seconds before pouring in the heavy cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

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Step 4: Return Chicken to the Sauce

Add the cooked chicken bites back into the skillet and toss them gently in the sauce until fully coated. Simmer for another 2 minutes to marry the flavors.

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Step 5: Char the Broccolini

While the sauce is simmering, heat another pan over high heat with a splash of olive oil. Add the broccolini and sear without stirring too much—let it char for flavor. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp with browned edges. Season with salt.

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Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Spoon the chicken bites and creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce into a shallow bowl or plate. Arrange the charred broccolini on the side. Finish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

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How Long to Cook the Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe

From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 25 to 30 minutes:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking the Chicken: 8–10 minutes
• Making the Sauce: 5 minutes
• Charring the Broccolini: 5–7 minutes
• Final Simmer & Assembly: 2–3 minutes

It’s one of those recipes that feels luxurious but won’t eat up your entire evening.

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Tips for Perfect Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites

• Dry the Chicken: Moisture on the surface will steam it instead of searing it. Pat it dry for that golden crust.
• Use a Cast Iron or Heavy Skillet: You’ll get the best sear and even cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed—this keeps the chicken from getting soggy.
• Use Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: It brings extra flavor depth when sautéing the tomatoes and making the sauce.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil the Sauce: Letting it gently thicken helps avoid curdling and keeps the texture creamy.
• Char, Don’t Steam the Broccolini: High heat and low movement create those delicious crispy bits.
• Taste and Adjust: Cajun seasoning can vary in saltiness and spice—adjust at the end for balance.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Chicken: Bite-sized pieces cook fast. Keep a close eye to avoid drying them out.
• Not Pressing the Parmesan Into the Chicken: A light press ensures it forms a proper crust while searing.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly—add it after the pan is hot but not smoking to avoid bitterness.
• Overcrowding the Pan: This causes steaming, not searing. Give each piece some space.
• Rushing the Sauce: Simmer slowly so the flavors meld and the cream thickens without separating.
• Skipping the Broccolini Char: That smoky edge adds crucial contrast to the creamy, rich sauce.
• Underseasoning: Layer your seasoning throughout the dish, not just at the end.
• Using Cold Cream: Let the cream come closer to room temp to avoid curdling when it hits the hot pan.

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What to Serve With Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites?

Sautéed Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Their earthy flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy Alfredo and adds a meaty texture.

Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

A low-carb, smooth side that soaks up every bit of sauce without overpowering it.

Buttered Egg Noodles

Simple and comforting, they make a perfect base under the chicken and sauce.

Parmesan Polenta

Creamy, cheesy polenta adds richness and depth to the dish.

Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Their crunch complements the tender chicken bites and broccolini.

Caesar Salad

A crisp, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the sauce.

Toasted Garlic Bread

For scooping up that dreamy Alfredo sauce—because no drop should go to waste.

Lemon-Herb Rice Pilaf

Light and fragrant, it balances the savory Cajun and garlic flavors perfectly.

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Storage Instructions

This dish stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day leftovers.

• Refrigerator: Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The broccolini can be stored separately to keep it from getting too soft.
• Freezer: You can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: ~460
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on specific brands and quantities used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken, sauce, and broccolini separately and store them in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving, and it’s just as delicious the next day.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes (sautéed until blistered) make a solid substitute. You’ll still get a sweet, tangy element in the sauce.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan is best for melting and searing, but if you’re short on time, a high-quality pre-grated version can work—avoid the powdered kind in the shaker.

Is this dish spicy?

Mildly. Cajun seasoning adds a little kick, but you can reduce the amount or use a milder spice blend if needed.

What kind of cream should I use for the sauce?

Heavy cream gives the best texture and richness, but you can use half-and-half for a lighter version. Avoid milk, as it won’t thicken properly.

Can I bake the chicken instead of searing?

Yes, though the seared Parmesan crust is a major flavor win. If you bake it, set your oven to 400°F and roast the coated bites for about 18–20 minutes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your Cajun seasoning and Parmesan are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture and uneven cooking.

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Conclusion

These Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo & Charred Broccolini are the kind of meal that delivers everything: bold flavor, satisfying texture, and a rich, creamy finish. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself to a next-level dinner, this recipe turns everyday ingredients into something a little extraordinary. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests—definitely a dish worth repeating.

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